Voters pass sales tax for Ford Center improvements

(March 5, 2008) - Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly approved a temporary one-cent sales tax on March 4 to fund major upgrades to the Ford Center and build an off-site practice facility for an NBA franchise.  The renovations are hoped to attract an NBA team to Oklahoma City and will give the arena competitive advantages over other event facilities in the region.

The proposal passed 61.9 percent (44,849) to 38.1 percent (27,564).  The results will not be certified until 5 p.m. Friday.

“We are thrilled at the results of Tuesday’s election.  This is a significant step in building a city where people want to live,” Mayor Cornett said.

The penny sales tax, which is expected to generate $121.6 million over 15 months, will begin when the MAPS for Kids tax expires on December 31, 2008.

If Oklahoma City does not have a lease with an NBA franchise by June 1, 2009 the tax will last only 12 months and the NBA training facility will not be built.

Improvement plans include a grand entrance, multistory atrium, new restaurants, clubs, concession areas, bunker suites, loge and sky boxes, roof top gardens, locker rooms, a warm-up basketball court, team offices and a 12,000-square-foot family fun zone.

All enhancements, including the training facility, will be owned by Oklahoma City.